Valve construction including differential area seals



Oct. l5, 1968 D. scARAMUccl 3,405,909

VALVE CONSTRUCTION INCLUDING DIFFERENTAL AREA SEALS Filed April 4, 19662 Sheets-5h69?J 1 /0 2&1 98

FLE-ZA- Oct. I5, 1968 D. SCARAMUCCI 3,405,909

VALVE CONSTRUCTION INCLUDING DIFFERENTIAL AEA SEALS Filed April 4, 196e2 sheets-sheet 2 #242 L lml! Q90 29@ Ww im 220 gSb//ig- 22oq 4 7/ d O-256 254 M ..-2/e Zi? l/`\ I/ ,y /5 I f) 204/ f gm] 222 L202 224/ my M2202 226 794 Y: I [-21.- i: 5 I E.- E

40o 54o\ 552 :354 52202 508 55@ 548 5m 45a 45e 440 y 52o V44 5ft542 5224/4 442 4 g b f( 4f@ [458 460 46O\1 f2 55a 232 24M 45a 54 456 44 d 454@e L 274 454 445 4/0l 224 402 450224 45? f 252/ i M 424 425 422 5/4 a?420 y y 452 452 45o 4o W0 25e 524 24e f7@ e I 272 INVENTOR.

270 00A/45p SCAPA/Maca? United States Patent O ABSTRACT OF THEDISCLOSURE A valve including a housing having an opening therethroughand avalve body positioned in a cavity in the housing. Positioned incontact with the valve body and housing, and extending partially into abore through the body, are one or a pair of movable seal structureswhich are so configured and arranged that, upon expansion of thehousing, as by excessive internal pressure, the seal structures move inresponse to fiuid pressure within the valve body to remain in sealingcontact with the expanded housing, and with the valve body. A movablevalve member is. provided in the valve body for opening and closing thevalve, and each seal structure carries a seal member which sealinglyengages the valve member during operation of the valve. The housing andits cavity are constructed so that the housing can be permanentlyconnected in a uid circuit, and the valve body, valve member and sealstructure quickly and easily removed therefrom and replaced therein atany time.

This is a continuation-in-part of my copending application Ser. No.487,682 filed Sept. 16, 1965.

This4 invention relates generally to improved valves for use -betweensections of conduit. More particularly, but not by way of limitation,this invention relates to an improved valve including a valve housingconnected between sections of conduit and means in said valve responsiveto uid pressure in the valve for maintaining a constant seal between thevalve housing and valve body.

The advantage of constructing the valve. having a valve housingpermanently mounted in the conduit has been recognized in the past. Forexample, the primary advantage gained is the ability to quickly andeasily remove the valve body and seals from the valve housing in theminimum of time and with a minimum of effort -while maintaining thefixed relationship of thesections of conduit connected to the valvehousing.

Perhaps the biggest disadvantage of such a valve structure has been thetendency of the valve housing to elongate under the influence of fluidpressure in the valve until uid leaks between the valve body and thevalve housing. Various approaches have been taken in an attempt toalleviate this problem. The most common approach has been to increasethe -wall thickness of the valve housing until it is of sufiicientthickness to withstand any anticipated internal pressure withoutelongation or deformation.

Mani-festly, the increased thickness in the valve housing adds weightand considerable cost to the valve. In fact, the cost has increaseduntil such valves are not competitive with the more common forms ofvalves that will serve generally the same punposes.

This invention provides an improved valve connectable between sectionsof conduit comprising a valve housing having an opening extendingtherethrough and a cavity therein intersecting the opening, each end ofthe opening being arranged for connection to the conduit, the cavityforming a pair of opposed surfaces; a valve body disposed 3,405,909Patented Oct. 15, 1968 in the cavity between the opposed surfaces, thebody having a ibore extending therethrough substantially in axialalignment |-with the opening and having a pair of end -facesintersecting the bore and disposed generally parallel to the opposedsurfaces; a valve member in the bore movable between a position whereinthe bore is open and a position wherein the bore is closed; rst sealmeans encircling a portion of the bore and sealingly engaging one of theopposed surfaces and the valve body; and, second seal means encircling aportion of the bore and having ya portion thereon slidingly andsealinigly disposed therein, the second seal means also sealinglyengaging the other opposed surface in the housing along a circumferencehaving a diameter smaller than the diameter of the bore, wherebythe-second seal means and the valve'body are biased by fluid `pressurein the valve body relatively toward the respective, adjacent opposedsurface to maintain the first and second seal means in constant sealingengagement with the opposed surfaces in the housing.

One object of this invention is to Iprovide an improved valve includinga valve housing mounted between sections of conduit that effectivelyprevents leakage of fluid from the valve in the event that the valvehousing should elongate.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved valveincluding a valve housing mounted between sections of conduit that canbe economically manufactured.

A further object of the invention is to provide an mproved valveincorporating means for effecting a fluid tight closure of the valvewhile simultaneously avoiding leakage of fluid from the valve shouldfluid pressure in the lvalve elongate the valve housing.

A further object of the invention is to provide an irnproved valveincorporating sealing means therein that is responsive to fluid pressurein the valve to effectively maintain a seal between the valve body andthe valve housingeven though elongation of the valve housing shouldoccur.

The foregoing and additional objects and advantages of the inventionwill become more apparent as the following detailed description is readin conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like referencecharacters denote like parts in all views and wherein:

FIG. l is a vertical cross-sectional view of a ball valve constructed inaccordance with the invention;

FIG. 2 is a transverse cross-sectional view taken substantially alongthe line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2A is a fragmentary cross-sectional view taken substantially alongthe line 2A-2A of FIG. 2;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged, fragmentary cross-sectional view of the valve ofFIG. l, but showing the various components thereof when the valvehousing has elongated and the valve member has shifted relativelydownstream;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged, fragmentary cross-sectional view illustratinganother embodiment of ball valve also constructed in accordance with theinvention;

FIG. 5 is a vertical cross-sectional view illustrating still anotherembodiment of ball valve also constructed in accordance with theinvention;

FIG. 5A is an enlarged, fragmentary cross-sectional view of a portion ofthe valve illustrated in FIG. 5;

FIG. 6 is a transverse cross-sectional view taken substantially alongthe line 6 6 of FIG. 5;

vFIG. 7 is a vertical cross-sectional view illustrating'a frirtherembodiment of ball valve also constructed in accordance with theinvention; and,

FIG. 8 is an enlarged, fragmentary cross-sectional view showing anadditional embodiment of ball valve also constructed in accordance withthe invention.

, f www Referring to the drawing -and to FIG. 1 in particular, showntherein and generally designated by the-reference character is a ballvalve constructed in accordance with the invention. The valve 10includes la valve body 12 disposed within a cavity 14 formed in thevalve housing-16.

The valve housing 16^is a unitray member having an opening- 18 extendingtherethrough. Each end of the opening 18 is threaded, as illustrated at20 and 22 or otherwise suitably arranged,' providing for the connectionof the valve housing 16 between sections of conduit (not shown). A pairof elongated side portions 24 and 26 (see FIG. 2) detine'the'sides ofthe cavity 14. The ends of the cavity 14 are defined by opposed surfaces28 and 30 that are disposed substantially perpendicular'ly to theopening 18. As illustrated most clearly inFIGS. 2 and 3, the valvehousing 16 also includes a pair of arcuate portions 32 and 34 thatextend into the cavity 14 from the opposed sur! faces'28- and 30,respectively. The arcuate portion 32 includes an arcuate recess 36having a beveled surface 38 thereon-that generally Afaces the surface28. The arcuate portion 34 includes an arcuate recess 40 having abeveled surface 42 thereon that generally faces the surface 30. 'I'hepurposes of the recesses 36 and 40 and the beveled surfaces 38 and 42will be described more fully hereinafter.

As shown in FIG'. 2, the side portion 24 has an upwardly facing sur-face4 4 thereon and the side portion 26 has an upwardly facing' surface 46thereon. The purpose of the upwardly facing surfaces 44 and 46 is toengage mating, downwardly facing surfaces 48 and 50 formed on lugportions 52 and 56, respectively, that comprise va p0rtion of the valvebody 12. r

= A pairof threaded fasteners 58 and 60 extend through slots 62 and 64(shown more clearly in FIG; 2A) that areformed in the lug portions 52and 56, respectively. As can be perceived from viewing FIGS. 2 arid 2A,the threaded fasteners 58 and 60 retain the value body 12 in the housing16 while the slots 62 and 64 permit movement of the valve body 12relative to the fasteners 58 and 60 and relative to the valve housing16. f

Referring again to FIG. 1, the valve body 12 includes an 'end face 66facing the surface 28 on the housing 16, an end face 68 that is inengagement with the surface 30 in the housing 16, and a bore 70 thatextends through the body 12 intersecting the end faces 66 and 68. Anenlarged counterbore 72 extends partiallythrough the valve body 12 fromthe end face 66. An annular recess 74 encircles the bore 70 adjacent thetermination of the counterbore 72.

Y A valve member 76, which is illustrated as 'being of sphericalconfiguration, is positioned in the counterbore 72. The valve member 76has a port 78 extending therethrough in alignment with the opening 18 inthe housing 16 and the bore 70 in the valve body 12.

The exterior of the valve member 76 is -provided with a rectangularrecess 80 that is arranged to receive the lower rectangular end 82 of avalve operating member 84. As is shown more clearly in FIG. 2, therectangular recess 80 is longer than the longest dimension of therectangular end 82 to permit movement of the valve member 76 relativelyalong the bore 70 when the valve member 76 is in the closed position asillustrated in FIG. 3.

The valve operating member 84 is disposed in an opening 86 that extendstransversely through the valve body 12 intersecting the counterbore 72.The valve operating member 84 includes an annular ange 88 that is inengagement with a downwardly yfacing surface 90 in the valve operatingmember 84 relative to the valve body 12. An O-ring seal 92 is located inan annular groove 94 in the valve operating member 84 and is disposed insealing engagement with the valve 4body 12 in the opening 86.

The upper end of the valve operating member 84 is connected with anoperating handle 96 by a pin 98. The

`handle 96 includesa lug 99 that is engageable with a pair of spacedlugs 100 (only one is show n in FIG. l) on the valve body 12 to limitthe lrotation of the operating handle 96 and the interconnected valvemember 76 to approximately 90 deg-rees. 'ff' As is shown-more clearly inFIG'. f3, an O-'ring seal 102 is disposed in an an'r1ular.rece`ss 104formed in the end face 68 of .thel valve `body 12. The O-ringseal 102 isin sealing engagement with the surface"'30 in the housing 16.

An annular yseal member'106'isfdisposed in the-annular recess 74 i'n thevalve body 12.' Theseal member 106 has a surface 108 thereon thatisarranged 'to sealingly engage the exterior surface of the valve member76.

A beveled arcuate shoulder portion 110 is formed on the valve body 1 2and is disposed in therecevssi 40 formed in the housing 16. As clearlyshown in FIG. 3, the beveled arcuate shoulder 110 hasa surface thereonin engagement withthe beveledsurface 42 in the recess 40 so thatpositioning the valvebody 12 in the cavity 14, biases the O-ringseal'102 into sealing engagement with the surface 30 on the valvehousing 16. r

As shown in FIG.' 1, and more clearly in FIG. 3 the valve 10 alsoincludes a seal assembly 112 disposed -between the upstream end face6610i the valve body 12 and the surface 28 on the housing 16; The sealassembly 112 includes a'seal `body 114 having an axial flange portion116 disposedl in the counterbore 72 and a radially extending angeportion 118 disposed-between the end face 66 on the valve body 12 andthe surface`28 on the valve housing 16.

The axial ange portion 116 includes an outer periphery 120 sized toslidingly t in the counterbore 72.An O- ring seal 122 is disposed in arecess124 located in the axial flange portion 116 adjacent the outerperiphery 120 thereof. The O-ringvseal122 j s in sliding and sealingengagement with the valve body 12 in the counterbore 72.

The radially extending flangey portion 118 includes a beveled arcuateportion 126 that is disposed in the recess 36 in the valve housing 16.The arcuate portion 126 on the seal'body 114 is in engagement with thebeveled sur-l face 38 on the valve housing 16, biasing the seal body 114relatively toward the surfacevZS in the valve housing 16.

An O-ring seal 1.28 is disposed in an annular recess 130 formed in theseal body 114 adjacent the surface 28 on the valve housing 16. Asclearly -shown in FIG. 3, the diameter of the O-ring seal 128 is lessthan the diameter of the outer periphery 120 of the axialange portion116 andthus is smaller than the diameter of the counterbore 72. l

An annular seal member 13 2 is disposed in an annular r'ecess 134 in theseal body 114. The annular seal member 132 includes a 4surface 136thereon that is arranged to sealingly engage the exterior surface of thevalve member 76. l

Operation of theembodiment of FIG. l

the O-ring seal 102 carried thereby into engagement with the surface 30in the valve housing A1.6,. Also, 'the engagement forces the sealassembly 112 a`nd the O-ring seal 128 carried thereby into sealing'engagement with the surface 28 in the valve housing 16. l

The threaded fasteners '58 and 60 are inserted through the slots 62 and64, pulling the'surfaces 48 and 50 on the valve body 12 into engagementwith'lthe upwardly facing surfaces 44 and 46 on the valve housing 16thereby retaining the valve body :and seal assembly 112 in the valvehousing 16. When the valve 10 is initially assembled with no internalpressure therein, the various components are sized so that the annularseal members 106 and 132 are in engagement with the valve member 76retaining the valvemember 76 in a relatively centered position asillustrated in FIG. l.

With the valve in the open position as illustrated in FIG.' 1, the port78 in the'valve member 76 is aligned with the opening 18 extendingthrough the valve housing 16 thereby permitting liuid ow therethrough.Due to the initial sealing engagement of the annular seal'members 106and 132 with the exterior of the valve member 76, it is not likely thatfluid ow through the valve 10 will enter the counterbore 72.

However, in the event that the uid pressure in the system should becomesufficiently high to elongate the valve housing 16, as illustrated inFIG. 3, the O-ring seal 102 in the end face 68 of the valve body 12 isymaintained in sealing engagement with the surface in the valve housing16. The sealing engagement results from the mechanical engagement of thebeveled surface 42 on the valve housing with the arcuateshouldervportion 110 on the valve body 12 as previously described. Also,fluid pressure in the valve 10 acts on the differential area of thevalve body 12, as defined by the O-ring seal 122 in the valve assembly112 and the Oring seal 102 in the valve body 12 to augment themechanical holding force.

The O-ring seal 128 in the seal assembly 112 is lmaintained in sealingengagement with4 the surface 28 and the valve housing 16 due to themechanical engagement of the seal assembly 112 with the beveled surface38 on the valve housing 16 as previously described and due to thedifferential area defined on the seal assembly 112 by the O-ring seals122 and 128. Thus,- it can be appreciated that, if elongation of thevalve housing 16 occurs when the valve 10 is in the open position, noliuid can escape from the valve 10 due to the sealing engagement betweenthe O-ringtseals 102 and 128 with-"the valve housing 16 and due to thesealing engagement of the O-ring seal 122 with the valve body 12 in thecounterbore 72.

When the" valve ymember 76 is rotated to the closed position (see FIG.3), that is, to the position wherein the port 78 extendingtherethrough'- is disposedat a right angle to the bore 70 extendingthrough the valve body 12, fluid pressure in the upstream end 20 of theopening 18 exerts a force on the valve Imember 76, moving the valvemember 76relatively downstream and into engagement with the surface 108on the annular seal member 106. The engagement of the valve member 76with the annular seal member 106 for-ms`a"-fluidtight downstream seal inthe valve 10`affording complete closure thereof.

If the fiuid pressure in the valve 10 becomes sufficiently high toelongate thelvalve housing 16, the O-ring seal 102 in the valve body 12remains in engagement rwith the surface inthe valve housing 16 aspreviously described to prevent the escape of fluid between'the valvebody 12 and the`surfacev30 on the valve housing 16. Also, liuid pressurein the valve 10'exerts a force on the seal assembly 112 to maintaintheO-ring seal `128 carried thereby in sealing engagement with thesurface 28 on the valve housing 16. As previously mentioned,-theengagement of thearcuate 'flange 'portion 126 on the seal assembly 12with the beveled surface 38 on the valve housing 16 also aids inmaintaining the seal 128 in engagement with the surface 28. From theforegoing, it can be appreciated that the described arrangement of thevalve body 12, the valve housing 16 and the seal' assembly 112 iseffective to prevent the escape of fluid from the valve 10 if elongationof the housing 16 occurs, regardless of the position of the valve member76.

It should also be pointed out that the elongation of the valve housing16 generally occurs in the side portions 24 and 26 thereof. Thus, it isnecessary to provide for some relative movement between the sideportions 24 and 26 of the valve housing 16 and the valve body 12. Suchrelative movement, even though small, is compensated for by theprovision of the slots 62 and 64. As can be appreciated from viewingFIG. 2A, the valve body 12 can move relatively with the elongation ofthe valve housing 16. Thus, the end face 6-8 on the valve body 12 ismaintained in engagement with the surface 30 on the valve housing 16.

' 1 Embodiment of FIG. 4

The fragmentary cross-sectional view of FIG. 4 illustrates anotherembodiment of ball valve that is generally designated by the referencecharacter 10a and also constructed in accordance with the invention.Various parts of the valve 10a are identical to parts previouslydescribed in connection with the valve 10 and the identical parts willbe designated by the same reference characters, As shown therein, thevalve 10a includes a valve .body 12a disposed in the cavity 14 formed inthe valve housing 16.

The valve body 12a includes an end face 66afacing the surface 28 on thevalve housing 16, an end face 68a facing the surface 30 on the valvehousing 16, and a bore 70a that extends therethrough intersecting theend faces 66a and 68a.

The valve member 76, which is illustratedv as being spherical inconfiguration, is disposed in the bore 70a of the valve body 12a. Thevalve member 76 is provided with the port 78 that extends therethrough.It will be understood that the valve 10a also includes the necessaryoperating components connected with the valve member 76 as previouslydescribed in connection with FIG. 1.

As clearly shown in FIG. 4, the valve 10a includes an upstream sealassembly 112a and a downstream seal assembly 112b. The seal assemblies112a and 112b are identically constructed though oppositely disposed inthe valve 10a. In view of their identical construction, only theupstream seal assembly 112a will be described in detail, it beingunderstood that like reference characters refer to like parts in thedownstream seal assembly 112b.

The seal assembly 112a includes a seal body 11441 having an axial flangeportion 116a disposed in the bore 70a and a flange portion 118aextending radially outwardly between the end face 66a on the valve body12a and the surface 28 on the valve housing 16. The axial flange portion116a includes an outer periphery 120g sized to slidingly fit within thebore 70a. An O-ringseal 1221i is disposed in an annular recess 124alocated inthe axial ange portion 116a adjacent the periphery 120athereof. The O-ring seal 122a is in sliding and sealing engagement withthe valve body 12a in the bore 70a.

The flange portion 118a includes an arcuate portion 126a| having abeveled surface'thereon in engagement with the beveled surface 38 in therecess 36 formed in the valve housing ,16. An O-ring seal 128:1 isdisposed in an annular recess 130a formed in the seal body 114a adjacentthe surface 28 on the valve housing 16. The seal 128a is locatedrelatively close to the end 20 of the opening 18 that extends throughthe valve housing 16 and is of smaller diameter than the O-ring seal122:1, that is, of smaller diameter than the bore 70a.

An annular seal member 132a is disposed in an annular recess 134a formedin the seal body 1140 adjacent the exterior of the valve member 76. Asclearly shown in FIG. 4, the annular seal member 132a includes a surface136a arranged to sealingly engage the exterior surface of the valvemember 76.

The downstream seal assembly 112b has its axial flange portion 116adisposed in the bore 70a with the O-ring seal 122a carried thereby insliding and sealing engagement [with the valve body 12a in the bore 70a.Also, the flange portion 118a thereon is disposed between the end face68a on the valve body 12a and the surface 30 on the valve housing 16.

The arcuate portion 126a on the downstream seal assembly 112b isdisposed in the recess 40 formed Vinthe valve housing 16 and h as thebeveled shoulder thereon in engagement with the beveled surface 42 inthe valve housing 16, whereby the downstream seal assembly 112b isbiased toward the surface 30 on the valve housing 16. Thus, the O--ringseal' 128:1 carried by the downstream seal assembly 112b is in sealingengagement with the surface 30. Also, the surface 136a on the annularseal member 132a in the downstream assembly 112b is disposed in sealingengagement with the exterior surface of the valve member 76.

Operationally, the valve a functions very similarly to the previouslydescribed valve 10. When the valve body 12a and the seal assemblies 112aand 112i; are inserted in the valve housing 16, the beveled shouldersonthe arcuate portions 126m of the seal assemblies 112a and 112b enter therecesses 36 and 40'in the valve body 12 and engage the beveled surfaces38 and 42 therein, biasing the seal assemblies' 112n and 112b relativelyapart and toward the surfaces 28 and 30 on the valve housing 16. Thus,the initial assembly ofthe valveV 10a places the O-ring seals 128 insealing engagement with the surfaces 28 and 30 on the valve housing 16.

With the valve 10a in the open position, that is, with the port 78extending through the valve member 76 in alignment with the opening 18,uid flows through the valve 10a. When in this position, the valve member76 is engaged by the annular seal members 132a to retain the valvemember 76 in a centered position not shown in the valve body 12a.

If the uid pressure in the valve 10av increases to a suiciently highvalue, the valve housing 16 is elongated to the position illustrated inFIG. 4. When in this position, it can be seen that the end faces 66a and68aon the valve body 12a are separated from the flange portions 118a onthe seal assemblies 11211 and 112b. The reasons for such separation isthat the seal assemblies 112a and 112b have moved relatively apart withthe elongation of the valve housing 16.

The relative movement of the seal assemblies 112a and 112b occurs due totheir engagement with the surfaces 38 and 42 in the valve housing 16.Also, the differential area on the seal assemblies 112a and 112b, asdefined by the O-ring seals 122a and 12811, is exposed to uid pressurein the valve body 12a forcing the seal assemblies 112a and 112brelatively apart and toward the surfaces 28 and 30.

As can be appreciated, the greater area of the seal assemblies 112e and112b exposed to the uid pressure lies relatively inwardly, that is,toward the bore 70a, whereby the uid pressure augments the mechanicalforce holding the seal assemblies 112a and 112b in engagement with thesurfaces 28 and 30 in the valve housing 16. Manifestly, in suchposition, the O-ring seals 128a are maintained in sealing engagementwith the surfaces 28 and 30, thereby preventing leakage from the valve10a.

When the valve 10a is closed, that is, when the valve member 76 is movedto the position wherein the port 78 is disposed at a right anglerelative to the opening 18 as illustrated in FIG. 4, uid pressure in theend 20 of the opening 18 exerts a force on the valve member 76 movingthe valve member 76 relatively downstream. The downstream movement ofthe valve member 76 continues until it engages the seal member 132e 0fthe seal body 114a on the downstream seal assembly 112b. When thisoccurs, it can be seen that a fluid-tight downstream seal is formed inthe valve 10a, thereby providing complete closure of the valve. If thefluid pressure becomes sufficiently high in the valve 10a, the valvehousing 16 elongates placing the components of the valve 10a in theposition illustrated in FIG. 4.

As previously described, the O-ring seals 128a carried by the upstreamand downstream seal assemblies 112a and 112b are maintained in sealingengagement with the surfaces 2,8,and 30 .on the valve housing 16 due totheir engagement with the shoulders 38 .andAZ of the valve housingk 16and due to the force .exerted by the fluid pressure on the differentialarea seal assemblies.

Itshould also lbe pointed out that no fluid can escape between the valvebody 12a and the seal assemblies 1'12a and 112b due to the sealingengagement of the O-ring seals122a with the valve b ody 12a in the borea.4 Thus, thelstructure of `the valve 10a described provides a valvewhereincompleteclosurecan 'be obtained when the valve 'member 76 is inthe closed positionand, even though elongation of nthe valve housing 16has occurred, effectively prevents the escape of 4fluid from the valve.i y i p Y Embodiment of FIG. 5

The vertical cross-sectional View. of FIG. 5 illustrates anotherembodiment-of the valve generally designated by the reference character200Y and also constructed in accordance with the invention. Asshowntherein, the valve 260 includes a valve body 202 disposed within avalve housing 204'.V

The valve housing 204 is provided with a cavity 206 (see FIG. 6) formingopposed surfaces 208 and 210 (see FIG. 5) that a-re disposed generallyperpendicularly to an opening 212 that extends therethrough. The opening212 is provided with an upstream end 214 that is partially threaded forconnectionwith asection of conduit (not shown)- and a downstream end-216that is also partially threaded for connection with a section of conduit(not shown). Manifestly, the ends 214 and 216l may be arranged forconnection in any suitable manner. As shown in FIG. 6, the valve housing204 includes a pair of elongated side portions 218 and 220 that extendalong and dene the sides of the cavity 206.

The valve body 202 includes an upstream end face 222 facing the surface208 on the valve housing 204, a downstream end face 224 facing thesurface 210 on the valve housing 16, and a bore 226 that extends throughthe valve body 202 intersecting the end faces 222 and 224. Anopening 228extends transversely through the valve body 202 intersecting the4 bore226.

-A valve memberv230, which is illustrated as being of sphericalconfiguration, -is disposed in the bore 226 and has a port 232 extendingtherethrough. Theexterior surface of the valve member 230 is providedwith a rectangular recess 234 that is sized to receive a lowerrectangular end 236 of a valve operating member 238. As may be seen bycomparing FIGS. 5 and 6, the recess 234 is longer in one dimension thanthe rectangular end 236 to permit movement of the valve member 230relatively along the bore .226 when the valve member 230 is in theclosed position (not shown). y

The valve operating member 238 is disposed in the opening228 and alsoincludes a ange portion l240 that is in engagement with a downwardlyfacing surface 242 in the valve body 202 to limit the upward movement ofthe valve operating member 238 relative to the valve body 202.' AnO-ring seal 244 is disposed in an' annular recess 246 formed in thelvalve `operating member 238. The O- ringseal 244 isinsealing-'engagement with the valve body 202 in the opening 228 toprevent ow of fluid thereby.

The upper end of the operating member 238 is con-v nected with anoperating handle 248 by a pin 250. The handle 248 is providedwith ,-alug 252 that-is engageable with one or more vspaced abutments 254(only;one .is shown in FIG. 45) on the valve body A202,40 limit therotational movement of the valve handle248 and-the interconnected valvemember 2130 to approximately 90.",

The valve 200 also includes an upstreamseal assembly 256 ahd adownstream seal assembly 258. As clearly shown in`FIG. 5, lthepstream'and downstream seal assemblies 256 and 258 are identical'in'coristru'ction though oppositely disposed in the valve 200. In viewof the identity of construction" of the seal assembliesv 256 and 258,only the upstream seal 256 will be described in detail, it

being understood that like reference characters will be applied to likeparts of the downstream seal assembly 258.

The fragmentary cross-sectional view of FIG. A illustrates theconstruction of the seal assembly 256 in detail. As shown therein, theseal assembly 256 includes a relatively rigid seal body 260 having anaxial flange portion 262 extending into the bore 226 of the valve body202. An outer periphery 264 on the seal body 260 is sized to slidinglyfit within the bore 226.

An O-ring seal 266 is located in an annular recess 268 formed in theseal body 260 adjacent the outer periphery 264 thereof. The O-ring seal266 is in sliding and sealing arrangement with the valve body 202 in thebore 226.

An O-ring seal 270 is located in an annular recess 272 also formed inthe seal body 260, but disposed adjacent the surface 208 of the valvehousing 204. The O-ring seal 270 is in sealing engagement with thesurface 208 and has an outside diameter smaller than the diameter of theO- ring seal 266 and only slightly larger than the opening 212 therebydefining a differential area on the seal assembly 256.

An annular seal member 274 is carried by the seal body 260. A surface276 on the seal member 274 is arranged to sealingly engage the exteriorsurface of the valve member 230 as illustrated in FIG. 5.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the valve body 202 also includes a pair ofspaced tab portions 280 and 282 that extend outwardly into the cavity206 adjacent the side portion 218 of the valve housing 204. Similarly, apair of tab portions 284 and 286 extend outwardly from the opposite sideof the valve body 202 into the cavity 206 toward the side portion 220 ofthe valve housing'204. It will be noted therein that the tabl portions280, 282, 284, and 286 are arranged so that a respective surface thereonis disposed in the same plane as the upper and lower surfaces on theside portions 218 and 220 of the valve housing 204.

A threaded fastener 288 extends through the cavity 206 between the tabportions 280 and 282 and the side portion 218. The fastener 288 isprovided with a washer or shoulder 290 at each end thereof that engageboth the side portion 218 and the tabs 280 and 282, whereby tighteningof a nut 292 on the threaded fastener 288 holds the washers 290 in tightengagement with the side `portion 218 of the valve housing 204 and thevalve body 202.

Similarly, a threaded fastener 294 extends through the cavity 206between the tab portions 284 and 286 and the side portion 220. Washersor shoulders 296 on the threaded fasteners 294 are disposed in4engagement with the tab portions 284 and 286 and the side portion 220'of the valve housing 204, whereby tightening of a nut 298 on thethreaded fastener 294 engages both the tabs 284 and 286 and the sideportion 220. Thus, the valve body 202 is retained in the cavity 206 ofthe valve housing 204 by the threaded fasteners 288 and 294.

Operation of the embodiment of FAIG. 5-

With the valve body 202 disposed in the cavity 206 of the valve housing204 and the threaded fasteners 288 and 294 inserted therein andtightened, the v-alve body 202 is retained in the valve housing 204.When the valve member 230 is in the open position, that is, in theposition illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, uid flows through the valve 200.

It will be noted in FIG. 5 that the annular seal members 274 arearranged so that the surfaces 276 thereon engage the exterior of thevalve member 230 retaining it in a centered position in the valve body202. The components of the valve 200 remain in the position illustrateduntil the uid pressure therein increases sufliciently to elongate thevalve housing 204. 1

When this occurs, the end faces 222 and 224 are space from the surfaces208 and 210 of the valve housing 204 substantially as illustrated inFIG. 5A. Also as shown in FIG. 5A, the O-ring seal 270 remains insealing engagement with the surface 208 on the valve housing 204 sincethe effect of uid pressure in the valve body 202 is to force the sealassemblies 256 and 258 relatively apart, that is, relatively toward therespective surface 208 or 210 on the valve housing 204.

Manifestly, no uid can escape from the valve 200 between the sealassemblies 256 and the valve housing 204 due to the sealing engagementof the O-ring seals 270 therewith. Also, no uid can escape from thevalve 200 between the valve body 202 and the seal assemblies 256 and 258due to the sealing engagement of the O-ring seals 266 carried therebywith the valve body 202 in the bore 226.

When the valve 200 is closed (not shown), that is, when the valve member230 is rotated until the port 232 therein is disposed at a right anglerelative to the bore 226, uid pressure in the end 214 of the opening 212exerts a force on the valve member 230 moving it relatively downstream.The downstream movement of the valve member 230 continues until thevalve member 230 engages the annular seal member 274 carried by thedownstream seal assembly 258. When this occurs, a fluid-tight downstreamseal is formed in the valve 200 to provide complete closure of the valve200.

If the uid pressure in the valve becomes suiciently high, the valvehousing 204 elongates Ias previously described. Also as previouslydescribed, the seal assemblies 256 and 258 are moved relatively towardthe surfaces 208 and 210 on the valve housing 204 to maintain the O-ringseals 270 in sealing engagement-therewith. Thus, it can be appreciatedthat the valve 200 provides acomplete shutoff, and, simultaneously,eliminates any possibility of leakage between the seal assemblies 256and 258 and the valve housing 204 and the valve body 202 in theevent-that elongation of the valve housing 204 occurs. f

Embodnlzent of FIG. 7

FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of valve also constructed inaccordance with the invention and generally designated by the referencecharacter 300. As illustrated therein, the valve 300 includes a valvebody 302 disposed in a cavity 304 formed in a valve housing 306.

The valve housing 306 has a surface 308 defining one end of the cavity304 and a surfaces 310 defining the other end of the cavity 304. Thesurfaces 308 and 310 are disposed generally perpendicularly to anopening 312 that extends through the housing 306. The opening 312 has apartially threaded inlet or upstream end 314 and a partially threadeddownstream end 316. The housing 306 is also provided with an opening 318that extends transversely to the opening 312 for purposes that will bedescribed more fully hereinafter. l

The valve body 302 includes an upstream end face 320 facing the surface308 on the valve housing 306, and end face 322 facing the surface 310 onthe valve housing 306, and a bore 324 that extends therethroughintersecting the end faces 320 and 322. An opening 326 extendstransversely through the valve body 302 intersecting the bore 324.

The valve body 302 also includes a threaded stud portion 328 thatprojects therefrom through the opening 318 in the valve housing 306. Athreaded nut 330 is disposed in threaded engagement with the stud 328and engages the valve housing 306 to retain the valve body 302 therein.

A valve member 332, which is illustrated as being of sphericalconfiguration, is disposed in the bore 324 and has a flow port 334extending therethrough. A rectangular recess 336 formed in the exteriorof the valve member 332 is sized to receive a rectangular lower end 338on a valve operating member 340 as previously described in connectionwith the embodiments of FIG. 1 and FIG. 5.

The valve operating member 340 extends through the opening 326 in thevalve body 302 and includes an exterior flange 342 that is in engagementwith a downwardly facing surface 344 in the valve body 302 to limit theupward movement of the valve operating member 340 relative to the valvebody 302.

An Oring seal 346 is disposed in an annular groove 348 formed in thevalve operating member 340. The O-ring seal 346 is in sealing engagementwith the valve body 302 in the opening 326.

The upper end of the valve operating member 340 is connected with avalve operating handle 350 by a pin 352. The handle 350 includes a lug354 that is engageable with one or more projecting abutments 356 on thevalve body 302 to limit the rotational movement of the handle 350 andthe interconnected valve member 332 to approximately 90.

Slidingly disposed in the bore 324 of the valve body 302 are thepreviously described seal assemblies 256 and 258. The seal assemblies256 and 258 are identical in construction though oppositely disposed inthe valve 300. The seal assemblies 256 and 258 have been described indetail in connection with the embodiment of FIG. 5 and will not bedescribed further.

It should, however, be pointed out that the seal assemblies 256 includethe O-ring seals 266 that are disposed in the bore 324 of the valve 300in sealing engagement with the valve body 302 therein. Also, the sealassemblies 256 and 258 each include the O-ring seal 270 that is ofsmaller diameter than the O-ring seals 266. The seals 270 are disposedin sealing engagement with the surfaces 308 and 310 of the valve housing306. The annular seal members 274, carried by the seal assemblies 256and 258, are arranged to engage the exterior surface of the valve member332 as previously described in con* nection with the valve 200.

With respect to the operation of the valve 300, it can be appreciated bycomparing FIGS. 5 and 7 that the valve 300 functions precisely asdescribed in connection with the valve 200. However, it should bepointed out that the primary distinction between the embodimentsillustrated is in the structural arrangement of the valve housing 306and the valve body 302 as related to the method of retaining the valvebody 302 in the housing 306.

Embodiment of FIG. 8

The fragmentary cross-sectional view of FIG. 8 illustrates anotherembodiment of valve generally designated by the reference character 400and also constructed in accordance with the invention. It will beunderstood that the valve 400 includes the necessary operatingcomponents as previously described in connection with the otherembodiments of the valve that were also constructed in accordance withthe invention. As illustrated therein, the valve 400 includes a valvebody 402 disposed in a cavity 404 formed in a valve housing 406.

The valve housing 406 includes a surface 408 defining one end of thecavity 404 and a surface 410 defining the other end of the cavity 404.An opening 412 extends transversely through the lower portion of thevalve housing 406 for purposes that will become more apparenthereinafter.

The valve housing 406 is also provided with an opening 414 that extendstherethrough intersecting the surfaces 408 and 410. The opening 414includes an upstream end 416 that is partially threaded and a downstreamend 418 that is also partially threaded.

The valve body 402 includes an upstream end face 420 facing the surface408 of the valve housing 406, an end face 422 facing the surface 410 onthe valve housing 406, and a bore 424 that extends therethroughintersecting the end faces 420 and 422. O-ring seals 426 and 428 aredisposed in annular recesses 430 and 432, respectively, formed in thevalve body 402 adjacent the bore 424.

A valve member 434, which is illustrated as being spherical inconfiguration, is disposed in the bore 424 and has a flow port 436extending therethrough. As previously mentioned, the valve member 434 isinterconnected with the necessary operating components as described inconnection with the other embodiments of valves.

Upstream and downstream seal assemblies 438 and 440 are disposed in thevalve 400.: As clearly shown in FIG. 8, the seal assemblies 438 and 440are identicalin construction though oppositely disposed therein. In viewof the identity of construction of the seal assemblies 438 and 440, onlythe upstream seal 438will be described in detail, it being understoodthat like reference characters will be applied to like parts in thedownstream seal assembly 440.

The upstream seal assembly 438 includes a seal body 442 that ispreferably constructed from a relatively rigid material. The seal body442 includes an axial flange portion 444 having an outer periphery 446sliding disposed in the bore 424 of the valve body 402.

A radially extending ange portion 448 of the seal assembly 438 isdisposed between the surface 408 on the valve housing 406 and the endface 420 on the valve body 402. An arcuate portion 450 on the radiallyextending ange portion 448 includes a beveled shoulder that engages abeveled surface 452 in the valve housing 406.

An O-ring seal 454 is disposed in an annular recess 456 formed in theseal body 442 adjacent the surface 408. The O-ring seal 454 is insealing engagement with the surface 408 and has an outside diametersmaller than the diameter of the bore 424 whereby a dierential area isformed on the seal assembly 438.

An annular seal member 458 is carried by the seal body 442 adjacent thevalve member 434. A surface 460 on the annular seal member 458 isarranged to sealingly engage the exterior surface of the valve member434.

The valve body 402 and the seal assemblies 438 and 440 are retainedinthe valve housing 406 by a threaded stud portion 462 that projectsfrom the valve body 402 through the opening 412 in the Valve housing406. The threaded stud portion 462 is in engagement with a threaded nut464 that also engages the valve housing 406 to securely retain the valvebody 402 in the housing 406.

It can be appreciated that the tightening of the threaded nut 464 pullsthe valve body 402 downwardly in the cavity 404 of the valvehousing.406, whereby the seal assemblies 438 and 440 engage the beveledsurfaces 452 in the housing 406 to bias the seal assemblies relativelytoward the surfaces 408 and 410. Thus, the O-ring seals 454 carried bythe seal assemblies 438 and 440 are held in tight sealing engagementwith the surfaces 408 and 410 on the housing 406.

operationally, it can be appreciated that the valve 400 functions asdoes the valve 10 previously described in connection with FIG. l. Thesignificant difference between the two embodiments being the method ofretaining the valve assembled.

However, it should be emphasized that the structure described inconnection with the valve 400 effectively prevents leakage of fiuidtherefrom in the event that the valve body 406 elongates due to thesealing engagement of the O-ring seals 454 with the valve housing 406and due to the sealing engagement betweenvthe O-ring seals 426 and 428carried by the valve body 402 with the peripheries 446 of the Sealassemblies 438 and 440.

From the foregoing detailed description of the various embodiments, itcan be appreciated that a valve constructed in accordance with theinvention is effective, not only to provide closure of the valve whendesired, but also to prevent the escape of huid from the valve in theevent that elongation of the valve housing occurs. Each of theembodiments described is composed of simply constructed componentsthatcan be economically manufactured. Also, since the elongation of thevalve housing does not cause fluid leakage from the valve, the valvehousing, whiclrremains permanently in the fluid system, can be reducedin thickness thereby reducing the weight and the cost of the valve.

It will be understood that the embodiments described in detailhereinbefore are presented by way of example only and that manymodifications and changes can bc madethereto without departing from thespirit of the inventionjor from the scope of the annexed claims.

What Iclaiin is: 'v '1'. A valveconnectable between sections of aconduit,

said valve comprising:

a valve member'in said bore movable between a position 4 wherein saidbore is open, and a position wherein said b ore is closed;`

4first seal means encircling a' portion of said bore andsealinglyengaging said one of said opposed surfaces l and said valve body; and second-seal means encircling a .portion of said bore f andhaving a portion thereof slidingly and sealingly disposed therein, saidsecond seal means also sealingly engaging the other opposed surface insaid housing along a circumference having la diameter smaller j thanvthe diameter of said bore, lwhereby said second seal' means is biasedby fluid pressure in said body relatively 'toward said other surface tomaintain said first and second seal means in constant sealing engagementwith said opposed surfaces in said housing, each of saidrst and secondseal means comprising:

a seal body having a portion slidingly disposed in said bore and havinga radially outwardly extending flange portion disposed between an endface on said valve body and a respective opposed surface on said a firstannular groove in said seal body adjacent said valvebody inisaid bore;vI

a first annular 'seal member disposed in said rst ani nular groovesealingly engaging said valve body;

. a second annular groove in said seal body adjacent a respectiveopposed surface in said housing and having a diameter smaller than thediameter of said bote; j A

a second annular seal member disposed in said second annular groove insealing engagement with a respective opposed surface; and.

a' third annular sealmember carried by said body arranged to sealinglyengage saidvvalve member.

I 2, A valveconnectable between sections of a conduit,

said valve comprising:

, a valve housing having an l'opening extending therethrough, each endof saidopening being arranged for connection with theconduit, a cavityintersectingpsaid opening and forming a pairfof opposed surfacestherein, an arcuate portion extending relatively into said cavity fromeach of said opposed surfaces, each of vsaid arcuate portions includingan arcuate recess adjacent said cavity having a beveled surfacegenerally facingthe adjacent opposed surface on said housing; a valvebody .disposed in said cavity and having a pair of end faces, a boreextending therethrough intersecting said end faces, a beveled, arcuateshoulder portion engaging one of beveled surfaces forcing one rof saidend faces toward the adjacent opposed surface on said housing,and a sealmember encircling said one endface forming a seal between said valvebody and housing;

seal means encircling a portion of said bore and slidingly and sealingly`disposed in said bore and having a ange portion disposed between theother end face and the other opposed surface, said ange including abeveled arcuate shoulder portion engaging the other said beveled surfaceon said housing, force said seal means toward the other opposed surfaceon said housing, said seal means sealingly engaging said other opposedsurface along a circumference smaller than the diameter of said bore,whereby fluid pressure in said valve body biases said seal means towardsaid other opposed surface;

a valve member disposed in said bore arranged to sealingly engage saidseal means, said valve member being movable between a position openingsaid bore and a position closing said bore; and,

connection means engaging said valve body and housing to hold said valvebody and housing assembled with said bore and opening in substantialalignment.

3. The valve of claim 2 wherein said housing also includes a pair ofspaced, upwardly facing surfaces extending generally parallel to saidopening;

lsaid valve body includes a lug portion disposed in juxsaid valvecomprising:

a valve housing having an opening extending therethrough, each end ofsaid opening being arranged for connection with the conduit,

a cavity intersecting said opening and forming'a pair of opposedsurfaces therein,

an arcuate portion extending relatively into said cavity from each ofsaid opposed surfaces, each of said arcuate portions including anarcuate recess adjacent said cavity having a beveled surface thereongenerally facing the adjacent opposed surface on said housing;

a valve body disposed in said cavity and having a pair of end faces anda bore extending therethrough intersecting said end faces;

first and second seal means encircling a portion of said bore andslidingly and sealingly disposed in said bore and each having a angeportion disposed between one end face on said valve body and one of theopposed surfaces on said housing, said flange portions each including abeveled, arcuate shoulder portion engaging the respective beveledsurface on said housing forcing each said seal means into sealingengagement with the adjacent opposed surface in said housing, each saidseal means sealingly engaging said adjacent opposed surface along acircumference having a diameter smaller than the diameter of said bore,whereby each said seal means is biased toward the adjacent opposedsurface on said housing by fluid pressure in said valve body;

a valve member disposed in said bore arranged to sealingly engage saidseal means, said valve member being movable between a position openingsaid bore and a position closing said bore; and

connection means engaging said valve body and housing to hold said bodyand housing assembled with said bore and opening in substantialalignment.

5. The valve of claim 4 wherein each said seal means also includes:

a relatively rigid seal body; a first annular seal member carried bysaid seal body said and slidingly and sealingly engaging said valve bodyin said bore;

a second annular seal member carried by said seal body and sealinglyengaging a respective one of the opposed surfaces on said housing andhaving a diameter smaller than the diameter of said iirst annular sealmember; and,

a third annular seal member carried by said seal body arranged tosealingly engage said valve member.

; 6. A valve connectable between sections of a conduit, said valvecomprising:

a valve housing having an opening extending therethrough and a cavitytherein intersecting said opening, each end of said opening beingarranged for connection with the conduit, said cavity forming a pair ofopposed surfaces therein, said housing also including a pair of spaced,upwardly facing surfaces and a pair of spaced, downwardly facingsurfaces extending generally parallel with said opening;

a valve body disposed in said cavity and having a pair of end facesadjacent the opposed surfaces in said housing, a bore extendingtherethrough intersecting said end faces, and a pair of spaced lugportions projecting outwardly from each side thereof in alignment withthe upwardly and downwardly facing surfaces on said housing;

a valve member disposed in said bore and movable between a positionclosing said bore and a position wherein said bore is open;

a pair of annular seal means slidingly and sealingly disposed in saidbore, each said seal means sealingly engaging one of the opposedsurfaces on said housing along a circumference smaller than the diameterof said bore, whereby fluid pressure in said bore biases said seal meanstoward the adjacent one of said opposed surfaces; and,

connecting means engaging the upwardly and downwardly facing surfaces onsaid housing and the lug portions on said valve body to hold said valvebody and housing assembled with said bore and opening in substantiallyaxial alignment.

7. The valve of claim 6 wherein each of said seal means includes:

a relatively rigid seal body;

a first annular seal member carried by said seal body slidingly andsealingly engaging said valve body in said bore;

a second annular seal member carried by said seal body sealinglyengaging a respective one of said opposed surfaces in said housing, saidsecond annular seal member being of smaller diameter than said firstseal member; and,

a third annular seal member carried by said seal body arranged tosealingly engage said valve member.

8. A valve connectable between sections of a conduit,

valve comprising:

a valve housing having an opening extending therethrough and having acavity therein intersecting said opening, each end of said opening beingarranged for connection to one of said conduit sections, said cavityforming a pair of opposed, substantially parallel surfaces in saidhousing;

a rigid valve body disposed in said cavity between said opposed surfacesand having a cylindrical bore extending therethrough substantially inaxial alignment with the opening extending through said housing, saidrigid valve body having an upstream end face, a downstream end face,said cylindrical bore intersecting said end faces, said end faces ofsaid rigid valve body being disposed generally parallel to saidsurfaces;

a valve ball disposed in said bore and having a port extendingtherethrough, said valve ball being rotatable in said bore from an openposition wherein said wherein said port is disaligned with respect tobore, said valve ball being movableV relatively along said bore whensaid valve ball is in the closed posi-I lion;

a first relatively rigid annular seal body encircling'a first portion ofsaid bore and having'a lirst portion extending axially in` said'boreand"slida`ble axially in said bore, and further having a second'polrtionextending radially inwardly relative lto said boreand contacting one ofthe opposed surfaces formed by said cavity in said valve housing fromthe' opening through said housing outwardly towardsaid body, said firstportion having a first annulargroove therein adjacent said valve bodyand spacedaxially inwardly in said bore from the upstream end face ofsaid valve body by a distance greater than'the distance which the`nearest of said opposed surfaces of said valve housing may move axiallyaway from; said valve body during expansion of said housing inope-ration of the valve whereby said first opposed surface of said valvehousing can move' axially away 'from said valve body followed bysaidifirst rigid annular seal body without said first annular grooveleaving said bore, and said second portion having a second annulargroove therein adjacent, and facing, the nearest of said opposedsurfaces of said 'valve housing, said second annular groovev defining anarea within it which is less than the cross-sectional' area of said borewhereby the force resulting from' fluid pressure acting on said first,relatively rigid annular seal body from inside said valve body will begreater than the force resulting from fluid pressure acting from outsidesaid body on the portion of said first relatively rigid annular sealbody located radially inwardly of said second groove;

a first resilient seal member in said first groove sealingly engagingsaid valve body and slidable in said bore with said first portion ofsaid first rigid annular seal body;

a second resilient seal member in said second groove sealingly engagingthe nearest of said opposed surfaces of said valve housing;

a valve ball resilient seal member secured tosaid first relatively rigidannular seal body and positioned thereon for sealingly contacting saidvalve ball while concurrently spacing said first relatively rigidannular seal body from said valve ball; v.

a second relatively rigid annular seal body encircling a second portionof said bore and having a first portion extending axially in said boreand slidable axially in said bore. and further having a second portionextending radially inwardly relative to said bore and contacting thenearest one of said opposed surfaces of said valve housing from saidopening through said valve housing radially outwardly toward said valvebody, said first portion of the second relatively rigid annular sealbody having -a first. annular groove therein adjacent said valve bodyand spaced axially inwardly in said bore from the downstream'end face ofsaid valve body by a distance which is' greater than the distance in anaxially direction lwhich the nearest one of said opposed surfaces ofsaid valve housing will move from said valve body in undergoingexpansion during operation of said v alve whereby the nearest one ofsaid opposed surfaces of said valve housing can move axially away fromsaid valve body followed by said second rigid annular seal body withoutthe first annular groove therein leaving said bore, and said secondportion of'said second'relatively rigid annular seal body having asecond annu- .lar groovel therein adjacent and facing thenearest one ofthe opposed surfaces of said valve housing, said second annular groovein said second relatively rigid annular seal body defining an areawithin it which is less than the cross-sectional area of said borewhereby the force resulting from lluid pressure acting on said secondrelatively rigid annular member from inside said valve body will begreater than the force resulting from iluid pressure acting from out- 5side said valve body on the portion of said second relatively rigidannular seal body located relatively References Cited UNITED STATESPATENTS a third resilient seal member in the first groove in Said 10uhsek "13253; 5 Second relatively n'gid annular sea1 body sealingly3,156,475 11/1964 Gamen 7 .2 engaging Said valve body and slidable insaid bore 3,157,380 11/1964 s erard 5- 237175-58 with said tirst portionof said second relatively rigid '3182952 5/1965 NIIgI/ls 2 n annularseal body; 1

ingly engaging the nearest one of the Iopposed surfaces of said valvehousing; and an additional valve ball resilient seal member secured ALANCOHAN Primary Examiner' to said second relatively rigid annular sealbody and 20 H- W- WEAKLEY, ASSiSfnf Examiner.

